my big question is in regards to steeks. i want to knit a herringbone stitch cowl in the round but wish to steek it so that it wont have to go over the head to be put on. i could do it in the flat but i like how the stitch looks in the round. can this be done, providing i make the usual column of purls/knits to be cut?

I would have to say that it could be done in the round depending on your yarn. If you are using a "grabby" wool like Shetland, then go ahead. If you are using something more slippery, like cotton, I would machine-stitch reinforce before cutting the steek. Experiment on a swatch if there is any doubt. Best of luck!

Steeking is best done with wool. especially "grabby" wool like Joey suggested. It doesn't lend itself well to superwash. I haven't tried it on cottons or acrylics b'c I fear that it won't work. I also recommend googling "crocheted steek" and seeing the great tutorials there are online.